2013 RAISE Winners Announced

Seven Extraordinary Stroke Efforts Recognized

DENVER, Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Stroke Association announces the recipients of its Third Annual Raising Awareness In Stroke Excellence (RAISE) Awards. Winners were judged on their creativity, impact on the community and commitment to stroke awareness.

The names of the winners were released today through a video announcement shared across the stroke community. Seven award recipients were named representing individuals and groups from across the country, chosen from over 200 nominations. 

"RAISE awards recognize the leaders and champions in the stroke community," said Jim Baranski, CEO, National Stroke Association. "The winners, and all the applicants, are to be congratulated for the hope and support they bring to millions of stroke survivors and their families every day."

New this year, the public was invited to vote for their favorite runner-up in the Voter's Choice award. Nearly 16,000 people participated in the online voting.

2013 RAISE Award Winners

Most Creative: National Park Services
The National Park Services, California State University's Aphasia Treatment Program and a group of stroke and brain injury survivors worked together creatively to develop a unique park guide.

Most Impactful: Aphasia Recovery Connection Social Media Website
David Dow and Christine Huggins developed a social media site to lessen the profound isolation many stroke survivors feel. 

Most Impactful Community Fundraising Event: Somers Walk for Stroke
The walk is organized by two sisters Lisa Mitchell and Valerie Goodwin from Somers, New York. The walk is an inspiration to the members of their community and surrounding areas.

Outstanding Group: Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp
Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camps offers stroke survivors and their caregivers opportunities to meet one another and take part in group projects and games.

Outstanding Individual: Johan de Roos
With perseverance, honesty, humor and love Johan de Roos re-learned to speak, walk, and drive. Now he raises the spirits of many other survivors. He is a stroke support group leader, research supporter, and raises awareness about stroke.

Outstanding Support Group: International Alliance for Pediatric Stroke
This support group developed a comprehensive website filled with helpful, credible information for new families affected by stroke.

Voter's Choice: Alexis Burnett
Alexis wrote new lyrics and remixed a popular song, Everybody Talks by Neon Trees. North Hills Hospital's Primary Stroke Program created an educational video demonstrating what happens when a stroke patient arrives at the hospital. 

About National Stroke Association
National Stroke Association is the only national organization in the U.S. that focuses 100 percent of its efforts on stroke by developing compelling education and programs focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support for all impacted by stroke. Its mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke.

Press Contact: Clair Diones
[email protected]

Video with caption: Jim Baranski, CEO, National Stroke Association announces the 2013 winners of the RAISE (Raising Awareness In Stroke Excellence) Awards. RAISE is a national awards program that annually recognizes individuals and groups for taking stroke awareness activities to new heights. Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J_4_aeHUUM

SOURCE National Stroke Association